EU Imposes Customs Duties on Small Packages from China

EU Takes Action Against Flood of Chinese Packages

The European Union has made a landmark decision to eliminate duty exemptions on small-value packages from outside the EU, particularly targeting the massive influx of parcels from China. EU finance ministers have agreed to implement customs duties on all imported packages, regardless of their value, starting in 2026 - two years earlier than originally planned.

End of the €150 Threshold

Currently, goods valued under €150 are exempt from import duties, but this will change dramatically. The new regulations mean that products from outside the EU could become up to 17 percent more expensive for consumers. 'In the Netherlands, millions and millions of packages are coming in. We cannot check all of them. We have to be honest, there is also junk among them. We need to get a grip on this together,' said Dutch Finance Minister Eelco Heinen.

Targeting Chinese E-commerce Giants

The move specifically targets Chinese e-commerce platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress, which have been flooding the European market with small parcels. According to EU data, 91 percent of all orders from outside the EU with a value below €150 came from China in 2024. The sheer volume - 4.6 billion small packages entering the EU last year - has overwhelmed customs authorities and created what officials describe as an impossible situation for proper oversight.

Safety and Environmental Concerns

Beyond economic considerations, the measure addresses serious safety and environmental issues. European regulators have expressed alarm about dangerous products entering the market, including items containing toxic chemicals and products that don't meet EU safety standards. 'This is a key step for the protection of European consumers and the internal market,' said French officials who championed the initiative.

Strengthening Customs Enforcement

The revenue generated from the new duties will be used to strengthen customs operations. Estimates suggest that more than 65 percent of small packages entering the EU are undervalued to avoid taxation. The additional funding will help customs authorities conduct more thorough inspections and improve their capacity to intercept unsafe products at the border.

The accelerated implementation timeline reflects the urgency that EU member states feel about addressing this issue. What was originally scheduled for 2028 will now take effect in 2026, demonstrating the political will to tackle what has become a significant challenge for European markets and consumer protection.